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Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (Mitra Clip)
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The Aultman Specialized Heart & Valve Center
- The TAVR Procedure
- Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (Mitra Clip)
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Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (Mitra Clip)
Some people are not candidates for traditional surgery for mitral valve repair or replacement. This may be because of your age, health condition or other factors your doctor considers too great a risk for open-heart surgery.
MitraClip, a type of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR), is a less-invasive treatment option to address mitral regurgitation (MR) often due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP). MR is a condition in which the valve leaflets of your heart do not close sufficiently as blood pumps. Therefore, blood “regurgitates” from the left ventricle into the left atrium. Because of this, your heart has to work harder and you may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations and fatigue. Left unchecked, MR causes worsening heart failure.
How MitraClip Works to Control Leaking Heart Valves
MitraClip uses catheter technology that is inserted through your leg and guided up to the left atrium of your heart. By maneuvering the guide wire and dilator, your surgeon gradually introduces the clip (a tiny metal device covered with polyester fabric) into the left atrium. The surgeon precisely positions the clip above the leak in your mitral valve, opens the clip “arms” and descends the clip into the left ventricle below the valve leaflets. The clip is then drawn out slowly, pulling the leaflets together as it goes. This greatly reduces MR as the blood flow is now controlled.
If further MR reduction is needed or can be improved, your surgeon again moves the clip into the ventricle, making adjustments to the position of the clip to ensure it is grasping optimally to reduce MR. Once positioned, the clip allows blood to flow on both sides of the clip and the clip moves naturally with the valve.
Benefits of MitraClip Treatment
Recovery time from a MitraClip procedure is usually just a few days compared to several months or longer for open-heart surgery. Most patients notice the benefits right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
The heart has four valves that control blood flow to and from the heart. During normal heart function, the mitral valve has two cusps, or leaflets, that allow blood to travel from the left atrium to the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber). Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backwards into the heart. If the regurgitation is severe, the increased pressure can result in fluid build-up in the lungs, heart failure and arrhythmia.
Mitral valve regurgitation is one of the more common heart valve disorders. In addition to age-related wear and tear on the mitral valve, there are several conditions that can cause mitral valve regurgitation, including congenital heart defects, rheumatic fever, high blood pressure, heart attack and endocarditis. A condition called mitral valve prolapse, in which the leaflets weaken and begin to bulge, is also a common cause. Finally, diseases of the left ventricle, including prior heart attacks, can stretch the leaflets, leading to imperfect closure and regurgitation.
The condition is often times mild and can progress slowly. Symptoms can begin gradually depending on any previous heart-related conditions. Some of the more common signs include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, excessive urination and a cough that occurs more frequently at night or when lying down.
An echocardiogram is the most common test, but others may include a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, exercise testing and cardiac catheterization
You will recover in the hospital and have follow-up monitoring of the valve by echocardiography at one month, six months, 12 months and annually thereafter. You may be asked to take aspirin if you were not already taking it, and there may be an adjustment of other medications, with the hope that you will require fewer or lower dosages.
Location Finder
Here's your guide to finding any of the facilities in the Aultman family of health services, including maps and contacts.
Need a Doctor?
Aultman's network of providers is committed to high-quality patient care.
Schedule an Appointment
Click below to complete an online form.
Donate Today
You can help support and enhance services, and in turn, help patients and their families who benefit from care received at Aultman.